Long Tan Cross at the Australian War Memorial

Something special happened at the  Australian War Memorial today. For the first time in Australia, the original Long Tan cross arrived to go onto display to the Australian public.

This iconic cross holds massive significance for Vietnam veterans, as it tells the story of the battle fought by the 6th battalion 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on 18 August 1966 in the Long Tan rubber plantation in Phuoc Tay Province (now Ba Rai-Vung Tau), in what was then South Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on 18 August every year. The day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand men who fought in the battle of Long Tan.

The battle of Long Tan has come to symbolise our nation’s ten-year long involvement in the Vietnam War and the cross is the symbol of the sacrifice of those that fell at Long Tan and their families.

Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial, Long Tan, South Vietnam. 18 August 1969

Three years after the battle, on 18 August 1969, soldiers of 6RAR/NZ erected the cross in the Long Tan plantation to remember the fallen. In 1975, the Long Tan cross went into the collection of the Dong Nai Museum and they have now loaned the piece to the Australian War Memorial.

The Cross will be on display from 17 August 2012 until April 2013.

“During Australia’s ten-year-long involvement in the Vietnam War, few battles were as intense or dramatic as Long Tan,” said Dr Peter Pedersen, Acting Assistant Director National Collection, Australian War Memorial. “The bravery, tenacity and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Long Tan have become legendary.”

The public is invited to come to the Memorial and be part of a special ceremony at 4.45pm on Friday 17 August to commemorate the 108 ANZACs who fought in the battle of Long Tan and to remember those who died on both sides. All Australians who served during the Vietnam War will be recognised at a commemorative closing ceremony on Saturday 18 August.

Useful links for finding out more about Long Tan:
[1] Vietnam War: www.vietnam-war.commemoration.gov.au
[2] Australian War Memorial

Korean War :: Australian War Memorial

Event: Korea: In From the Cold
When: International Conference, Thursday 6 – Friday 7 October 2011
Where: Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent Campbell ACT 2612
Contact: Alissa Gabriel
Phone: (02) 6243 4238
Registrations: Close 28 September 2011
Parking: The Memorial has two free car parks.

The Korean War was one of the most significant conflicts of the twentieth century. Coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of Australia’s landmark battles in Korea, at Kapyong in April, and Maryang San in October 1951, the Australian War Memorial is convening a major international conference including leading international military historians.

Professor Robert O’Neill, Australian Official Historian of the Korean War and former Chichele Professor of History at Oxford University is keynote speaker. The conference includes a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canberra and an optional dinner on the first day of the conference. A must for Cold-War history buffs!

Want to know more about the Korean War? Search the Australian War Memorial site or follow them on Facebook and twitter.

Win a luxury stay in Canberra!

Hotel Realm, Canberra

Fancy spending Easter this year in Australia's capital, lapping up the great museums and galleries as well as chocolate?

Inside History has a terrific holiday up for grabs thanks to our good friends at TravelCandy. One lucky reader will win two nights' accommodation for two people at the elegant Hotel Realm in the heart of Canberra, close to everything this lovely city has to offer. Spend a day visiting the Not Just Ned exhibition at the National Museum of Australia, or commemorate Anzac Day at the Australian War Memorial. 

To enter, simply make any purchase at our online shop before 5pm (EST), April 19, to go into the draw! Remember, Inside History is a great, guilt-free Easter present!

Terms and conditions: Accommodation is for two nights. twin-share and must be taken on Saturday April 23, and Sunday April 24. Transport to and from Canberra is not included. Competition closes 5pm April 19. One name will be drawn at random and the winner notified on April 20. The prize is non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash. Entrants must be aged 18 and over.